Thomas Ingenlath returns as Volvo's chief designer
Volvo announced the return of Thomas Ingenlath as the chief designer. He will start in February. Previously, Ingenlath played a key role in shaping the modern look of the brand, developing models such as the XC90, XC40, and V90 wagon.
What is known
Ingenlath worked at Volvo in the 2010s and largely defined the brand's visual identity of that period. It was under him that Volvo cars received a restrained Scandinavian design that helped the company strengthen its position in the premium segment and expand its presence in international markets. Nine years ago, he left Gothenburg to focus on developing Polestar, which was then a subsidiary brand of Volvo.
During his absence, Volvo underwent various phases. After the pandemic, the company showed record results in 2023–2024, but in 2025, global sales volume decreased significantly. The situation remains particularly challenging in the Chinese market, where demand for Volvo cars has been declining for several years in a row.
Ingenlath's return comes amid strategic changes in the company. Volvo is increasingly transitioning to electric vehicles, software platforms, and automated systems, and the design division is tasked with maintaining the brand's recognizability amidst technological transformation. The focus is not on redesigning the current model lineup but on shaping Volvo's image at the next stage of development.
Between his two periods at Volvo, Ingenlath led Polestar for seven years. Under his leadership, the brand transformed from a niche project into a global electric vehicle manufacturer represented in more than 20 countries. The Polestar 1 and Polestar 2 models laid the foundation for the brand's development, while the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 expanded the model range. Meanwhile, Polestar developed its own minimalist design language, distinct from Volvo's softer style.
In 2024, Polestar faced severe financial difficulties: sales decreased, and the stock price plummeted. That same year, Ingenlath stepped down as CEO, yielding the position to former Opel chief Michael Lohscheller.
Source: Volvo
